Co-founder in Residence, Insecticides and Pest Control

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Join us in creating a groundbreaking venture aimed at eliminating off-target toxicity in agrochemicals by scaling next-generation insecticides and pest control solutions.

• We are looking for a seasoned entrepreneur to co-found and establish a new company with us, focusing on species-targeted and durable pest control that avoids adverse ecological or human health effects. This is a full-time position, initially remote until the venture is incorporated and spun out (expected around the end of Q1 2027), with the location to be determined.

• As a Co-founder-in-Residence in DSV’s venture creation program, you will collaborate closely with the DSV and Grantham Foundation teams to successfully spin out the new enterprise. During this program, you will enhance and expand upon existing scoping efforts regarding:

• The technical framework for pest control that is scalable, effective, and durable without unintended consequences (including considerations of neglect and technical feasibility);

• Commercial neglect (intellectual property strategy, differentiation, competitive landscape);

• Value proposition (market analysis, value capture, techno-economics);

• Regulatory strategy and positioning;

• Fundraising strategy and pitch preparation;

• Optimizing the company strategy for the fastest and least risky route to Series A funding.

• Preparing for the Investment Committee (IC) will include meeting our investment criteria, recruiting advisory and co-founding team members, and concurrently raising funds for further expansion.

• If successful at the IC, you will secure pre-seed investment from DSV and the Grantham Foundation, leading to the company’s spinout in 2027. You and your co-founders will hold a substantial equity stake in the business and will continue to receive support after the spinout.

⛳️ Requirements

• You are highly motivated by unresolved challenges in insect pest control and are eager to disrupt the status quo in agrochemicals.

• You possess a strong drive for impact, take initiative, make things happen, and approach problems from a first principles perspective to determine what is truly necessary.

• You demonstrate a clear entrepreneurial spirit and mindset through impactful innovations, and have the ability to thrive in fast-paced, demanding, and ambiguous environments.

• You have a collaborative nature, enabling you to work effectively within cross-functional teams.

• Previous experience as a Founder is essential.

• Experience in a C-suite role is required.

• Proven fundraising experience from venture capitalists is necessary.

• Expertise in commercial and business development (licensing, partnerships, collaborations) is important.

• A strong track record of building and leading successful teams is crucial.

• Preferred (nice-to-have) qualifications include:

• Depth in core scientific disciplines (PhD or equivalent industry R&D experience) in areas such as genomics, molecular biology, entomology, plant pathology, or virology, along with a breadth of knowledge across technological fields relevant for next-generation pest control, including:

• Biological modes of action (e.g., RNA design, stability, formulation/delivery);

• Behavioral and life cycle manipulations (e.g., semiochemicals biosynthesis/bioprocess scale-up, deployment/mating disruption);

• Discovery and screening of safer small molecules (e.g., molecular glues, PFAS replacements);

• Microbial or in-plant expression of biocontrol agents (Bt and beyond);

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) design and implementation with measurable on-farm outcomes.

• Experience in translational execution, such as moving traits/actives from discovery to field efficacy, managing CRO/CDMO programs, and developing regulator/investor/customer-ready data packages; and/or partnership development (growers, CROs/CDMOs, suppliers) along with a scalable IP strategy.

• Ownership across multiple functions including R&D, Product, Regulatory, and IP, evidenced by tangible results (trial outcomes, submissions, patents, launches); and/or experience with EPA/EU regulations and GLP study planning/oversight; or involvement in designing pivotal field trials for registration support.

🏝️ Benefits

• We offer optimized, purpose-built proprietary tools, resources, and processes designed to facilitate the creation of high-impact ventures from the ground up, employing our venture creation methodology.

• You will benefit from DSV and the Grantham Foundation's extensive network, which includes leaders in biotech venture capital, technical and commercial expertise, and a variety of portfolio company capabilities.

• We jointly provide an initial investment of £250k (~$340k / €290k), governed by our Investment Committee, to incorporate the new venture and develop early proof-of-concept data essential for attracting prominent non-venture studio VCs. This funding is also critical for securing grant funding, which often requires matching private investment.

• Together with your co-founder(s), you will hold the majority equity stake in the company.

• We guarantee a minimum income of £4,166 per month (fixed), paid to each Founder as a consultancy fee until the company is launched and pre-seed investment is secured.

• Continuous support will be provided post spin-out, including assistance with fundraising, commercial partnerships, recruitment, and team-building, among other resources.

• Other Founders currently at DSV will collaborate and support one another across sectors, providing a unique resource to draw upon.